Every day on our venues' floors explainers engage in a direct interaction with the public. But, frequently, our institutions include more “explainers” than we acknowledge: many professionals started their careers as explainers, and then moved on to being exhibit designers, programme developers and project managers, etc. Maybe some are now even working as marketing or human resources professionals. Do any traits of former explainers survive?

Much more than a nostalgic remembrance of participants’ past roles as explainers, this reverse session aims to explore the knowledge, skills and professional acumen developed by professionals when they were explainers - an experience they consider essential in their new capacities.

During the discussion we will explore the transferable competencies of explainers, and how training and practices of explainers are relevant and can be used by other professionals.

This session is organised by the Facilitation Group, the Ecsite thematic group dedicated to building a community for all staff who deliver learning experiences within a museum or science engagement organisation. The session is open to all - please take part!